Skip to main content

Disable "Network Location Awareness (NLA)" service (breaks auto-reconnect, connectivity status, network identification)

Apply Now
Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data Loss Risk: High

    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.

  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This script disables the Network Location Awareness (NLA) service.

NLA collects and stores network configuration information and notifies programs of changes 1 2 3 4 5 6. This data collection can pose privacy concerns. It determines network connectivity type and properties, helping Windows manage connections 7 8. NLA uses the Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI) to assess internet connectivity 7 9. NCSI is responsible for detecting Internet connectivity status 9.

Key functions of NLA:

  • Generates unique identifiers (GUIDs) for each network interface 6 10
  • Interacts with Windows Firewall to apply appropriate rules based on network profiles 10
  • Provides connectivity status for various applications such as Microsoft Teams and Windows Update 8

Benefits of disabling NLA:

  • Enhances privacy by stopping communication with Microsoft servers for connectivity detection (NCSI) 7 8 9 11
  • Increases security by reducing potential vulnerabilities 12 13
  • Reduces background processes, potentially optimizing system performance 4 15

Microsoft considers this service 'OK to disable' to reduce data collection and optimize system performance 4. Disabling NLA does not impact the essential operations of the operating system 14. Citrix recommends disabling it on VDI/RDS machines 15.

Side effects of disabling NLA:

  • Lack of network configuration information 1 2 3 4 5 11
  • Failure of related services on Windows 10 such as Dhcp, nsi, RpcSs, Tcpip EventLog and netprofm 2 3
  • Issues with network identification (such as "Home", "Work", "Public") and firewall profile determination 10
  • Broken internet connectivity status detection and network status alerts 7 9
  • Problems with captive portal (hotspot) detection 11
  • Difficulties with the auto-reconnect functionality of different apps 6 14 16
Caution

This may lead to:

  • Lack of immediate feedback on network status.
  • Potential functionality issues in the system and applications that rely on NCSI for network information.
  • Reduced ability of Windows and other components to determine internet connectivity.
  • Windows and other software may incorrectly report that you're offline.
  • Issues with automatically opening the sign-in page when a captive portal (hotspot) is detected.

Overview of default service statuses​

This service runs and starts by default on Windows 10 2 3 but not on Windows 11 1. NLA service is available on both Windows 10 2 3 and Windows 11 1, but its NCSI functionality applies to Windows 10 and Windows Server 2019 and earlier versions 11. Its functionality has been replaced by Network List Service (NLS) on Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022 and later 8 11. This script does not disable this service on Windows 11 as it no longer manages NCSI and offers no clear privacy benefit. This script targets Windows 10, where disabling NLA enhances privacy by preventing NCSI functionality.

OS VersionStatusStart type
Windows 10 (≥ 22H2)🟢 RunningAutomatic
Windows 11 (≥ 23H2)🔴 StoppedManual
Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users.

This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable "Network Location Awareness (NLA)" service (breaks auto-reconnect, connectivity status, network identification)" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable "Network Location Awareness (NLA)" service (breaks auto-reconnect, connectivity status, network identification)" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable "Network Location Awareness (NLA)" service (breaks auto-reconnect, connectivity status, network identification)
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
:: Disable service(s): `NlaSvc`
:: This operation will not run on Windows versions later than Windows10-MostRecent.
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$versionName = 'Windows10-MostRecent'; $buildNumber = switch ($versionName) { 'Windows11-21H2' { '10.0.22000' }; 'Windows10-MostRecent' { '10.0.19045' }; 'Windows10-22H2' { '10.0.19045' }; 'Windows10-1909' { '10.0.18363' }; 'Windows10-1903' { '10.0.18362' }; default { throw "^""Internal privacy$([char]0x002E)sexy error: No build for maximum Windows '$versionName'"^""; }; }; $maxVersion=[System.Version]::Parse($buildNumber); $ver = [Environment]::OSVersion.Version; $verNoPatch = [System.Version]::new($ver.Major, $ver.Minor, $ver.Build); if ($verNoPatch -gt $maxVersion) { Write-Output "^""Skipping: Windows ($verNoPatch) is above maximum $maxVersion ($versionName)"^""; Exit 0; }; $serviceName = 'NlaSvc'; Write-Host "^""Disabling service: `"^""$serviceName`"^""."^""; <# -- 1. Skip if service does not exist #>; $service = Get-Service -Name $serviceName -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue; if(!$service) { Write-Host "^""Service `"^""$serviceName`"^"" could not be not found, no need to disable it."^""; Exit 0; }; <# -- 2. Stop if running #>; if ($service.Status -eq [System.ServiceProcess.ServiceControllerStatus]::Running) { Write-Host "^""`"^""$serviceName`"^"" is running, stopping it."^""; try { Stop-Service -Name "^""$serviceName"^"" -Force -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Stopped `"^""$serviceName`"^"" successfully."^""; } catch { Write-Warning "^""Could not stop `"^""$serviceName`"^"", it will be stopped after reboot: $_"^""; }; } else { Write-Host "^""`"^""$serviceName`"^"" is not running, no need to stop."^""; }; <# -- 3. Skip if already disabled #>; $startupType = $service.StartType <# Does not work before .NET 4.6.1 #>; if (!$startupType) { $startupType = (Get-WmiObject -Query "^""Select StartMode From Win32_Service Where Name='$serviceName'"^"" -ErrorAction Ignore).StartMode; if(!$startupType) { $startupType = (Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Service -Property StartMode -Filter "^""Name='$serviceName'"^"" -ErrorAction Ignore).StartMode; }; }; if ($startupType -eq 'Disabled') { Write-Host "^""$serviceName is already disabled, no further action is needed"^""; Exit 0; }; <# -- 4. Disable service #>; try { Set-Service -Name "^""$serviceName"^"" -StartupType Disabled -Confirm:$false -ErrorAction Stop; Write-Host "^""Disabled `"^""$serviceName`"^"" successfully."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Could not disable `"^""$serviceName`"^"": $_"^""; }"
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable "Network Location Awareness (NLA)" service (breaks auto-reconnect, connectivity status, network identification)" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Command Prompt
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
 View step-by-step guide with screenshots
  1. 1

    Open Command Prompt

    Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into Command Prompt and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.

See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.

These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.

This category contains scripts that disable various connectivity checks performed by Windows. Connectivity checks allow Windows to assess network status and qualit...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable connectivity checks 

See settings that are in the same category as this guide.

Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.

Disable active connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)
Disable passive connectivity tests (breaks internet connection status)
Remove "Network Connectivity Status Indicator (NCSI)" app (breaks internet connection status icon)
Block Microsoft connectivity check hosts (breaks internet connection status, captive portals)
Disable "Network List Service (NLS)" service (breaks connectivity status, network identification, network connection icon, connectivity with some Microsoft apps)

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process